### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **pâlîyl**, represented by `{{H6414}}`, refers to a **magistrate** or **judge**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. This term signifies an official role in arbitrating disputes and determining legal consequences based on established law and moral standards.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6414}}` appears in legal and moral contexts. In Exodus, it defines the authority responsible for determining the payment in a case of personal injury [[Exodus 21:22]]. In the book of Job, the role of **judges** is linked to punishing moral transgressions, specifically an **iniquity** `{{H5771}}` described as a **heinous crime** `{{H2154}}` [[Job 31:11]]. Finally, it is used metaphorically in Deuteronomy, where even Israel's **enemies** `{{H341}}` are acknowledged as being **judges** who can see that their 'rock' is not like the LORD, Israel's Rock `{{H6697}}` [[Deuteronomy 32:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and context of a **judge**:
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity): This term for perversity or moral evil is what a **judge** is tasked to punish [[Job 31:11]]. It is seen as a fault or sin that warrants a judicial response.
* `{{H6064}}` **ʻânash** (punish): This primitive root describes the action taken as a result of a judge's decision, meaning to inflict a penalty or fine [[Exodus 21:22]]. It is used to describe the consequence for wrongdoing.
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (pay): This word, meaning to give or put, is used for the restitution a person must **pay** as determined by the **judges** [[Exodus 21:22]], highlighting their role in financial and civil arbitration.
* `{{H2154}}` **zimmâh** (heinous crime): This word denotes a bad plan or lewdness and is identified as an offense that must be addressed by the **judges** [[Job 31:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and legal weight of `{{H6414}}` is demonstrated through its specific applications:
* **Civil Arbitration:** The **judges** are established as the authority for settling civil disputes and determining fair restitution, as when a husband lays a claim that the **judges** then formalize [[Exodus 21:22]].
* **Moral Adjudication:** The term is explicitly linked to the punishment of **iniquity** `{{H5771}}` and **heinous crime** `{{H2154}}`, establishing the **judge** as an enforcer of moral law, not just civil law [[Job 31:11]].
* **Acknowledged Authority:** The word is used to imply a recognized standard of truth, where even Israel's **enemies** `{{H341}}` can serve as **judges** to the fact that their own deities are inferior to the one true **Rock** `{{H6697}}` [[Deuteronomy 32:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6414}}` **pâlîyl** defines the role of a **judge** or magistrate within the biblical legal framework. Though appearing only a few times, it establishes a clear function: to arbitrate civil matters, determine appropriate punishment for moral and criminal offenses, and serve as a recognized authority in matters of judgment.
TRV